Abir Ben Ashur - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Abir Ben Ashur

British Journal of Surgery, Dec 31, 2023

Asian Journal of Pediatric Research, Nov 28, 2023

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Jun 4, 2021

Introduction: Urinary tract infections (UTI) are one of the most common human bacterial infection... more Introduction: Urinary tract infections (UTI) are one of the most common human bacterial infections encountered by physicians. The risk of resistant microbes is emerging as a result of the overuse of antibiotics treatments. The presence of pathogens with increased resistance to antimicrobial agents makes UTIs difficult to treat. This study was aimed at determining the prevalence of the pathogens that cause UTIs, as well as the antibiotic susceptibility of these isolates. Materials and methods: This prospective study was conducted from February 2020 to April 2020; a total number of 200 urine samples were collected from patients who daily attended TMC Libya. Bacterial pathogens were determined by bacteriological culture methods and Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done by using the disc diffusion method. Results: Out of 200 samples, 110 cases had a positive culture. The dominant bacterial pathogens were Gram-negative that being with Escherichia coli (49, 55.68%), followed by Klebsiella pneumonia (18, 20.46%), Pseudomona aeruginosa (9, 10.23%), Proteus mirabilis (8, 9.09%), Enterobacter aerogenes (2, 2.27%), Citrobacter freundii (2, 2.27%). Gram-positive bacteria were Staphylococcus aureus 20 (90.91%) followed by S. saprophyticus (2, 9.01%) of the isolate's strains. The isolated uropathogen showed increased levels of resistance to antibiotics. Where the Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus indicated the highest antibiotic resistance to Nitrofurantoin, Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, Tetracycline, Ciprofloxacin, Metronidazole and also revealed the most sensitivity to Cefixime followed by doxycycline and ceftriaxone. Conclusions: The obtained results emphasized the emergence of highly resistant bacteria to most of the tested antimicrobials and propose the need for physicians to change their treatment pattern depending on antimicrobial susceptibility results.

Modern Research in Dentistry

Background: Various oral health measures have been applied throughout the world. The most common ... more Background: Various oral health measures have been applied throughout the world. The most common way is to use a toothbrush and toothpaste. However, the traditional way of using chewing sticks is found in several parts of the world. Chewing sticks have a mechanical cleansing action similar to a toothbrush in addition to their antimicrobial effect. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of Salvadora persica (Miswak) products on oral microbial flora (bacteria and fungi) in comparison with toothbrushes and toothpaste. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 60 randomly selected participants, during the period from March to August 2021. An oral rinses sample was collected at 2-time intervals: Samples were collected before use and after one week of use from two groups (a group used Miswak and group using ordinary toothpaste). The samples were immediately processed for microbiological phenotypic conventional methods and in vitro susceptibility testing of the microbial isolates to antimicrobial. Result: The organisms isolated from Miswak group, toothbrush and toothpaste group were identified. Among the bacterial isolates, Streptococci mutans was the most isolates 16 (53.33%) from Miswak group, and in 17 (56.67%) of toothbrush & toothpaste group, followed by Lactobacillus 12 (54%) in Miswak group and 10 (33.33%) toothbrush & toothpaste group. Staphylococci aureus was found in Miswak group 2 6.67%) and 3 10%) toothbrush & toothpaste groups respectively. Candida isolates was manly C. albicans 11 (36.67%) from Miswak group, and in 12 (40%) of toothbrush & toothpaste group, the second isolate was C. dubliniensis 2 (6.687%) Miswak group, and in 6 (20%) toothbrush & toothpaste followed by C. glabrata 1(3.33%) from Miswak group. Conclusion: Miswak has a significant reduction effect on both bacteria, candida immediately and after a week of use.

Khalij-Libya Journal of Dental and Medical Research

Background and objectives. The environmental impact assessment plays an important role in ensurin... more Background and objectives. The environmental impact assessment plays an important role in ensuring environmental media. This study aimed to assess the environmental pollution of the neonatal intensive care unit in Al-Jala hospital of obstetrics and gynecology, Tripoli, Libya through environmental monitoring of bacteria on different surfaces. Methods. A cross-sectional, descriptive study was carried out in the neonatal intensive care unit from December- to February 2022 at Al-Jala hospital, Tripoli. A total of 61 samples were collected with a sterile swab from high-contact environmental surfaces. Isolation, identification, and antibiotic resistance of bacterial isolated were performed by standard technique. Blood culture isolates from neonatal intensive care unit patients were compared with the environmental isolates during the study period. Results. Out of 61 samples, bacterial growth was observed in 58 samples, out of which 40 (68.9%) were gram-positive and 18 (31.03%) were gram-ne...

Khalij-Libya Journal of Dental and Medical Research, 2020

Background: The majority of students today are more fascinated by new technology. The most trendi... more Background: The majority of students today are more fascinated by new technology. The most trending digital appliance among students is headphones. The use of earphones has become more and more popular among students this can easily be a vector of possible pathogens that can give rise to serious disease. Objective: This study was conducted to determine the bacterial contamination on earphones and external ear of students and to assess the awareness amongst the students of the importance of cleaning earphones. Methods: The study was performed at University of Tripoli from June to September 2020. A total of 50 swabs were collected from student’s ear canal and earphone. The samples were cultured according to the standard microbiological procedures. Isolates were identified by conventional identification methods. The questionnaire was submitted to all participants to collect information on the extent of usage of earphones. Results: The results showed that the most isolated organisms were...

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution International License (CC BY 4.0). B... more This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution International License (CC BY 4.0). Background. The infection of the urinary tract is one of the most significant reasons for seeking medical attention among individuals, and is one of the most widely common nosocomial infections. Gestational diabetes mellitus during pregnancy is considered an important risk factor for urinary tract infections. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria and the incidence of urinary tract infections in pregnant women with and without gestational diabetes mellitus and their antibiotic sensitivity patterns. Methods. Total of one hundred consecutive pregnant women with a clinical diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (n=50) and non-diabetic pregnant women (n=50) were included in the study at Gynecology Hospital Tripoli, Libya. Mid-stream urine samples were obtained for a full urine examination. All samples and isolates were investigated by standard laboratory...

Iberoamerican Journal of Medicine

Introduction: In mechanically ventilated patients, ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a maj... more Introduction: In mechanically ventilated patients, ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a major cause of prolonged hospitalization with increased morbidity and mortality. There is a lack of studies on the relationship between bacterial colonization of the ventilator circuit (VC) and VAP. This study aimed to investigate the role of bacterial colonization of VC in the development of VAP and identify antibiotic susceptibility trends for isolated strains. Methods: A prospective study of the bacterial culture has been performed between February 2021 to March 2021 on a total of 100 mechanically ventilated patients, (n =50) samples have been obtained from patient's lower respiratory tract (LRT) and (n =50) were taken from mechanical ventilator equipment VC. Paired samples of bacteria isolated from VC and LRT, where VC was colonized before LRT. Results: A total of 58 samples were cultured positively, while 42 specimens showed negative bacterial growth. However, there was no substant...

Iberoamerican Journal of Medicine

Introduction: Urinary tract infections (UTI) are one of the most common human bacterial infection... more Introduction: Urinary tract infections (UTI) are one of the most common human bacterial infections encountered by physicians. The risk of resistant microbes is emerging as a result of the overuse of antibiotics treatments. The presence of pathogens with increased resistance to antimicrobial agents makes UTIs difficult to treat. This study was aimed at determining the prevalence of the pathogens that cause UTIs, as well as the antibiotic susceptibility of these isolates. Materials and methods: This prospective study was conducted from February 2020 to April 2020; a total number of 200 urine samples were collected from patients who daily attended TMC Libya. Bacterial pathogens were determined by bacteriological culture methods and Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done by using the disc diffusion method. Results: Out of 200 samples, 110 cases had a positive culture. The dominant bacterial pathogens were Gram-negative that being with Escherichia coli (49, 55.68%), followed by Kl...

Khalij-Libya Journal of Dental and Medical Research

Background: The majority of students today are more fascinated by new technology. The most trendi... more Background: The majority of students today are more fascinated by new technology. The most trending digital appliance among students is headphones. The use of earphones has become more and more popular among students this can easily be a vector of possible pathogens that can give rise to serious disease. Objective: This study was conducted to determine the bacterial contamination on earphones and external ear of students and to assess the awareness amongst the students of the importance of cleaning earphones. Methods: The study was performed at University of Tripoli from June to September 2020. A total of 50 swabs were collected from student’s ear canal and earphone. The samples were cultured according to the standard microbiological procedures. Isolates were identified by conventional identification methods. The questionnaire was submitted to all participants to collect information on the extent of usage of earphones. Results: The results showed that the most isolated organisms were...

British Journal of Surgery, Dec 31, 2023

Asian Journal of Pediatric Research, Nov 28, 2023

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Jun 4, 2021

Introduction: Urinary tract infections (UTI) are one of the most common human bacterial infection... more Introduction: Urinary tract infections (UTI) are one of the most common human bacterial infections encountered by physicians. The risk of resistant microbes is emerging as a result of the overuse of antibiotics treatments. The presence of pathogens with increased resistance to antimicrobial agents makes UTIs difficult to treat. This study was aimed at determining the prevalence of the pathogens that cause UTIs, as well as the antibiotic susceptibility of these isolates. Materials and methods: This prospective study was conducted from February 2020 to April 2020; a total number of 200 urine samples were collected from patients who daily attended TMC Libya. Bacterial pathogens were determined by bacteriological culture methods and Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done by using the disc diffusion method. Results: Out of 200 samples, 110 cases had a positive culture. The dominant bacterial pathogens were Gram-negative that being with Escherichia coli (49, 55.68%), followed by Klebsiella pneumonia (18, 20.46%), Pseudomona aeruginosa (9, 10.23%), Proteus mirabilis (8, 9.09%), Enterobacter aerogenes (2, 2.27%), Citrobacter freundii (2, 2.27%). Gram-positive bacteria were Staphylococcus aureus 20 (90.91%) followed by S. saprophyticus (2, 9.01%) of the isolate's strains. The isolated uropathogen showed increased levels of resistance to antibiotics. Where the Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus indicated the highest antibiotic resistance to Nitrofurantoin, Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, Tetracycline, Ciprofloxacin, Metronidazole and also revealed the most sensitivity to Cefixime followed by doxycycline and ceftriaxone. Conclusions: The obtained results emphasized the emergence of highly resistant bacteria to most of the tested antimicrobials and propose the need for physicians to change their treatment pattern depending on antimicrobial susceptibility results.

Modern Research in Dentistry

Background: Various oral health measures have been applied throughout the world. The most common ... more Background: Various oral health measures have been applied throughout the world. The most common way is to use a toothbrush and toothpaste. However, the traditional way of using chewing sticks is found in several parts of the world. Chewing sticks have a mechanical cleansing action similar to a toothbrush in addition to their antimicrobial effect. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of Salvadora persica (Miswak) products on oral microbial flora (bacteria and fungi) in comparison with toothbrushes and toothpaste. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 60 randomly selected participants, during the period from March to August 2021. An oral rinses sample was collected at 2-time intervals: Samples were collected before use and after one week of use from two groups (a group used Miswak and group using ordinary toothpaste). The samples were immediately processed for microbiological phenotypic conventional methods and in vitro susceptibility testing of the microbial isolates to antimicrobial. Result: The organisms isolated from Miswak group, toothbrush and toothpaste group were identified. Among the bacterial isolates, Streptococci mutans was the most isolates 16 (53.33%) from Miswak group, and in 17 (56.67%) of toothbrush & toothpaste group, followed by Lactobacillus 12 (54%) in Miswak group and 10 (33.33%) toothbrush & toothpaste group. Staphylococci aureus was found in Miswak group 2 6.67%) and 3 10%) toothbrush & toothpaste groups respectively. Candida isolates was manly C. albicans 11 (36.67%) from Miswak group, and in 12 (40%) of toothbrush & toothpaste group, the second isolate was C. dubliniensis 2 (6.687%) Miswak group, and in 6 (20%) toothbrush & toothpaste followed by C. glabrata 1(3.33%) from Miswak group. Conclusion: Miswak has a significant reduction effect on both bacteria, candida immediately and after a week of use.

Khalij-Libya Journal of Dental and Medical Research

Background and objectives. The environmental impact assessment plays an important role in ensurin... more Background and objectives. The environmental impact assessment plays an important role in ensuring environmental media. This study aimed to assess the environmental pollution of the neonatal intensive care unit in Al-Jala hospital of obstetrics and gynecology, Tripoli, Libya through environmental monitoring of bacteria on different surfaces. Methods. A cross-sectional, descriptive study was carried out in the neonatal intensive care unit from December- to February 2022 at Al-Jala hospital, Tripoli. A total of 61 samples were collected with a sterile swab from high-contact environmental surfaces. Isolation, identification, and antibiotic resistance of bacterial isolated were performed by standard technique. Blood culture isolates from neonatal intensive care unit patients were compared with the environmental isolates during the study period. Results. Out of 61 samples, bacterial growth was observed in 58 samples, out of which 40 (68.9%) were gram-positive and 18 (31.03%) were gram-ne...

Khalij-Libya Journal of Dental and Medical Research, 2020

Background: The majority of students today are more fascinated by new technology. The most trendi... more Background: The majority of students today are more fascinated by new technology. The most trending digital appliance among students is headphones. The use of earphones has become more and more popular among students this can easily be a vector of possible pathogens that can give rise to serious disease. Objective: This study was conducted to determine the bacterial contamination on earphones and external ear of students and to assess the awareness amongst the students of the importance of cleaning earphones. Methods: The study was performed at University of Tripoli from June to September 2020. A total of 50 swabs were collected from student’s ear canal and earphone. The samples were cultured according to the standard microbiological procedures. Isolates were identified by conventional identification methods. The questionnaire was submitted to all participants to collect information on the extent of usage of earphones. Results: The results showed that the most isolated organisms were...

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution International License (CC BY 4.0). B... more This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution International License (CC BY 4.0). Background. The infection of the urinary tract is one of the most significant reasons for seeking medical attention among individuals, and is one of the most widely common nosocomial infections. Gestational diabetes mellitus during pregnancy is considered an important risk factor for urinary tract infections. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria and the incidence of urinary tract infections in pregnant women with and without gestational diabetes mellitus and their antibiotic sensitivity patterns. Methods. Total of one hundred consecutive pregnant women with a clinical diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (n=50) and non-diabetic pregnant women (n=50) were included in the study at Gynecology Hospital Tripoli, Libya. Mid-stream urine samples were obtained for a full urine examination. All samples and isolates were investigated by standard laboratory...

Iberoamerican Journal of Medicine

Introduction: In mechanically ventilated patients, ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a maj... more Introduction: In mechanically ventilated patients, ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a major cause of prolonged hospitalization with increased morbidity and mortality. There is a lack of studies on the relationship between bacterial colonization of the ventilator circuit (VC) and VAP. This study aimed to investigate the role of bacterial colonization of VC in the development of VAP and identify antibiotic susceptibility trends for isolated strains. Methods: A prospective study of the bacterial culture has been performed between February 2021 to March 2021 on a total of 100 mechanically ventilated patients, (n =50) samples have been obtained from patient's lower respiratory tract (LRT) and (n =50) were taken from mechanical ventilator equipment VC. Paired samples of bacteria isolated from VC and LRT, where VC was colonized before LRT. Results: A total of 58 samples were cultured positively, while 42 specimens showed negative bacterial growth. However, there was no substant...

Iberoamerican Journal of Medicine

Introduction: Urinary tract infections (UTI) are one of the most common human bacterial infection... more Introduction: Urinary tract infections (UTI) are one of the most common human bacterial infections encountered by physicians. The risk of resistant microbes is emerging as a result of the overuse of antibiotics treatments. The presence of pathogens with increased resistance to antimicrobial agents makes UTIs difficult to treat. This study was aimed at determining the prevalence of the pathogens that cause UTIs, as well as the antibiotic susceptibility of these isolates. Materials and methods: This prospective study was conducted from February 2020 to April 2020; a total number of 200 urine samples were collected from patients who daily attended TMC Libya. Bacterial pathogens were determined by bacteriological culture methods and Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done by using the disc diffusion method. Results: Out of 200 samples, 110 cases had a positive culture. The dominant bacterial pathogens were Gram-negative that being with Escherichia coli (49, 55.68%), followed by Kl...

Khalij-Libya Journal of Dental and Medical Research

Background: The majority of students today are more fascinated by new technology. The most trendi... more Background: The majority of students today are more fascinated by new technology. The most trending digital appliance among students is headphones. The use of earphones has become more and more popular among students this can easily be a vector of possible pathogens that can give rise to serious disease. Objective: This study was conducted to determine the bacterial contamination on earphones and external ear of students and to assess the awareness amongst the students of the importance of cleaning earphones. Methods: The study was performed at University of Tripoli from June to September 2020. A total of 50 swabs were collected from student’s ear canal and earphone. The samples were cultured according to the standard microbiological procedures. Isolates were identified by conventional identification methods. The questionnaire was submitted to all participants to collect information on the extent of usage of earphones. Results: The results showed that the most isolated organisms were...